Tuesday, July 30, 2002

And so the shortlist for this year's Mercury Music Prize is announced:
Beverley Knight - Who I Am
The Bees - Sunshine, Hit Me
The Coral - The Coral
David Bowie - Heathen
Doves - The Last Broadcast
The Electric Soft Parade - Holes in the Wall
Gemma Hayes - Night On My Side
Guy Barker - Soundtrack
Joanna MacGregor - Play
Ms Dynamite - A Little Deeper
Roots Manuva - Run Come Save Me
The Streets - Original Pirate Material

It's a strong list this year, with lots of young acts [and Mr Bowie]. As is traditional, the nominees include a folk record, a jazz set and a classical album, even though they stand no chance of winning. The Streets are tipped by record industry experts (and me) to win, though I wouldn't mind if Ms Dynamite won.